What is typically included in a laboratory report?

A laboratory report primarily consists of diagnostic test results, which provide detailed information about the analyses performed on samples provided by patients. These results include information such as blood counts, chemical analysis, microbiological cultures, and other test findings that assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions, monitoring health status, and informing treatment decisions.

While physical examination results, patient discharge instructions, and medication prescriptions play essential roles in patient care, they are not typically found within the laboratory report. Physical examination results are part of the clinical examination documentation, discharge instructions are provided at the end of patient care, and medication prescriptions are recorded in the patient's medication list, separate from laboratory findings. Therefore, the inclusion of diagnostic test results distinguishes the laboratory report as a critical component of the health record relevant to patient diagnosis and treatment planning.